"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

We open at 6 AM.
(All time zones - Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


SATURDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


Saturday is upon us! C’mon in – enjoy a cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and one or two pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!



Daily Wisdom


I double checked it six times.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Arrives Tuesday! – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday



MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars
May – June . . To be announced


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


Comedy Corner

Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)


[:I] Outside a small Macedonian village, close to the border between Greece and strife-torn Yugoslavia, a lone Catholic nun keeps a quiet watch over a silent convent.
She is the last caretaker of a site of significant historic developments. The convent once served as a base for the army of Attila the Hun. In more ancient times, a Greek temple to Eros, the god of love, occupied the hilltop site. The Huns are believed to have first collected and then destroyed a large gathering of Greek legal writs at the site. It is believed that Attila wanted to study the Greek legal system and had the writs and other documents brought to the temple. When the Greek Church took over the site in the 15th Century and the convent was built, church leaders ordered the pagan statue of Eros destroyed, so another ancient Greek treasure was lost. Today, there is only the lone sister, watching over the old Hun base.
And that's how it ends: No Huns, no writs, no Eros, and nun left on base. [:I]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre


NOW SHOWING:
Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: A League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1974) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. SHORT: Ants in the Pantry (1936).


SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 06:38:50 (360) Friday’s Info & 19-Post Summary]

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 07:19:30 (360) Brief Gulf Coast visit!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 08:00:54 (360) SOMETHING SPECIAL Notice!

(4) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 10:17:53 (360) AM check-in

(5) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 10:52:44 (360) Classic Steam #28 – Ontario’s Drowned Railway

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 11:01:24 (361) ENCORE! Railways of Europe #1 – British Rail

(7) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 11:15:26 (361) etc.

(8) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 11:17:08 (361) Acknowledgment ‘n Comments

(9) BudKarr BK Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 12:41:03 (361) Mountain Report!

(10) pwolfe Pete Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 12:58:27 (361) Wolfman returneth!

(11) West Coast S Dave Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 14:47:34 (361) Would you buy a used car from this guy [?] [swg]

(12) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 15:36:37 (361) Island Report ‘n then some!

(13) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 16:19:28 (361) Island Report, part duex!

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 17:48:02 (361) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

[15) passengerfan Al Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 18:20:09 (361) Left Coast visit

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 20:28:49 (361) Comments ‘n Traction Pix!

(17) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 20:38:25 (361) Bearman’s Inclusive Gulf Coast Report!

(18) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 23 Jun 2006, 23:53:43 (361) Count Robulla’s Nite Cap!



That’s it![tup][;)]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon, did you save any of that sirloin for me. Ahh good man yes medium with the sauteed mushrooms and onions heaven shear heaven. I think a Guniess to finish with as well sir. [tup]

Kind of a slow to end the week kind of day. But that's allright nice to see the banter at the bar always a good thing to be sure[tup]

BK I'm glad that you are enjoying tyhe postings. It's not my intemtion to mentor or tutor but hey if good things like that come out of it so much the better [swg] History always been my kinda thing, I just try to make it as non-tedious as I can.Always nice to get the postitive feedback though, thank-you sir.

Tom Yup I've recharged the well as it were. actually I've just been reading through the railroad library , and seeing if there's anything worth repeating as it were. Always a bit of a chore to chop it down to the bare essentials for posting here though.I'm just glad tha everyone's enjoying them,don't expect the pace to continue though. I've gotta save some stuff for the fall and winter[swg]

That "flood" also finished off one of the most prosperous interurbans in eastern Canada as well The Montreal and Southern Counties, sveral dozen towns a settlements on the South bank around Montreal are now only available to peolpe who know how to use diving aperatus.Makes me mad to know how much history was litterally washed away. Under the St lawrence are hundreds of late 1700's early 1800's buildiings, most were not torn down they were just allowed to wash away. I understand that divers in the river can see the foundations for miles along parts of the original river bank which is now of coarse the middle of the river.

Nice cemtr entrance car shot. Looks like one of Clevelands early Shaker heights cars or is it a Fox valley unit[?]

ted i'm glad that the mortgage issue got squared away. I too was abit worried for you as I have heard a few horror stories about them as well.The waters are generally fine over on Tom's other thread as well. He wouldn't allow anything different would you boss [?]Too bad that some of the other's that post there haven't found there way in here yet. Their loss to be sure.

Pete Happy trails again LOL, come back when you can stay longer[swg][:D]


Rob

[Anonymous]

Good evening this T.G.I.F. to all. Tom, I can squeek in a Gin Collins before ordering that N.Y. Strip (medium well) and fries to go, thanks. I wanted to "fill in the spaces" since my hurried morining's post. Al, the elaboration on the B. & O. entry by Tom brought some attributes I wasn't aware of before. Snat Fe and Mo. Pac apparantly were operating through B. & O. Pullmans to the West Coast and South Texas respectively. If MoPac was unhappy with including B. & O. cars in their trains, I wonder why Santa Fe wasn't even more concerned. Mo. Pacific Eagles and B & O have similar smooth side liveries right down to the blue and gray fields. Santa Fe couldn't be more different with the Bud stainless being mixed with the B & O paint. I should know because our 4-B & O 12 sec. 2 bed rm. cars were lashed up to the Santa Fe Chief in Chicago for the second leg to Gallup, N.M. There we began a 6 week tour of the S.W. United States ending back in Wash. D.C. from whence we began.[^]

Barndad, I recall selling a couple of Telegrapher's keys at my little Radio Shack Store. They were soon dicontinued to be sold as a Red Tag item (discontinued) shortly thereafter. I'm told they were once a "hot item" among the younger set and then fell to the "die hards" of earlier times. Indeed, that tick-a-tack sound still hits the nostalgia bone for we who remember small stations on the backwaters of major Roads. Thanks for the "blast from the past."

Rob, still haven't "tested the waters" next door on Tom's other thread. The desire is there; the time has been the problem...hopefully soon. Actually, I'm enjoying my little corner of paradise with your copius contributions right here at "Our" Place.[^] Sorry, I'm late on the "Ontario's Drowned R.R." but will "hit it" anon. Hello West Coast Dave, good to know you are earning those new stripes with more action. Hopefully, it will all lead to more furtile areas for future retirement gratuities. Yes Lars, I have dotted the I's and crossed the T's with a lot of homework plus tutelege from folks who have been down this HECM road, appreciate the comments tho. Pete, I guess I can't really offer more than my previous welcome back as I believe post nuptials would be tardy indeed. Quite a glorious Encore Tom provided for your "official" return, eh? I'll wager I enjoyed it as much as yourself.[^] Hope your stay in KCity finds you and your spouse with pleasant remedial time for shopping or what ever else is on offer..."Absence makes the heart grow fonder."[:-^] I hope you don't forget the "plastic" old sport.[:O] I don't want to but I must sign out for this day. Boris, don't look at me like that. I brought you a door prize from my office drawing this morning Yes it's the knob; wear it in good health wherever that may be.[alien] Happy rails all, til next time.

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Just a few thoughts before checking out for the nite . . .

Dave - As many times as you've changed that Post of yours, just think of how many new ones you could've added! <grin>

Pete Sorry, Mate - but the latest reference to your "newlywed" status has been deleted! Confused [?] Don't be . . . [swg]

Al - One doesn't have to provide information-Posts to particpate 'round this place. Surely YOU know that - Thanx for the round! [tup]

My traction contribution for the nite . . . .

IT #122 - (courtesy: donsdepot.donrossgroup.net - foto credit: unknown)


Leon the Night Man NOW has the bar!

See y'all for ENCORE! Saturday [tup]


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good Afternoon Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a CR and a round for the house.

The problem is I have taken a few floppy discs to the office and when I log on from their I can simply cut and paste from a floppy for the other thread.

It takes more time to respond on this thread and my time is getting caught up at the office and the other things in my life right now. Weather is HOT 107 this afternoon and they are calling for HOTTER tomorrow and Sunday.

Sure their is virtually no humidity but 107 is HOT!

It doesn't cost me anything to use the office air and my last months PG&E topped 100 bucks so spend more time their then at home.

I am really not ignoring this thread it's just finding time for everything at the present time.

TTFN Al

[siberianmo]

G'day!

What is this [?] A stranger in our midst - but one who buys the drinks! That can't be all so bad, eh [?] Nice to see ya again Dave and I see you're back to your "patented" editing way after the fact! [swg] Keeps us on our toes, I'd say! Boris ring the bell - and we'll put it on Dave's tab . . .

Hey Rob I read that great article you provided on page 360 about the Grand Trunk - sure is an eye-opener! What a darned shame these people weren't talking to one another - meaning those working the engineering for the seaway and the impact on the communities and of course the RR. Sounds pretty much the way things happen all over. Just reading about those great stations being lost put a frown across my brow, I'll tell ya! Appreciate your Classic Steam on Ontarioi's Drowned Railway! A gudun fer sure, fer sure! [tup] [tup] [tup]

I see the Larsman has been in - twice this afernoon. The Mrs. has you hopping, eh [?] Well, what's new! [?] [swg] And we wouldn't have it any other way, guys . . .

Haven't forgotten you guys regarding the 2nd Annual Rendezvous in St. Louis - just ironing out some details before engaging in the pre-planning stage (if that makes sense!). No specific time has been set - although right now it looks like April-May 2007 - but even that may be changed, depending on what the attendees have to say.

There will be an Email sent to the following guys when there is something a bit more definitive to talk about:

trolleyboy Rob - Theodorebear Ted - barndad Doug - pwolfe Pete - LoveDomes Lars and EricX2000 Eric. Anyone else interested in attending only need to ask to be placed on the distribtuion list. Thanx for the "reminder," Lars! <grin>

Yes, that game last night was indeed a heartbreaker for our side. The score wound up as 1-0 with our guy pitching a one-hitter - a home run ball that ultimately lost the game. Great effort for both sides and really a good game - far better than the embarassments of the first two in the series! <ugh> But, no one is going to recall how good the game was - it will be remembered that the Cardinals dropped 3 to the White Sox - ain't that the way! [?] <groan>

Good to see our Mate, Pete return to the crew! [tup] Looks like somehow a couple of guys have you pegged as a newly wed! <grin> No sweat, the bride will like that reference - I use it all the time, and we've been married for "a few" years! [swg] Glad you liked YOUR ENCORE! [tup] [tup] [tup] Also, the elaborations fit right in with what we missed about you - a guy who READS what is Posted! [yeah] Enjoyed speaking with you this morning and we're looking forward to our get together next month! [tup]



A long, long time ago, I traveled aboard the NYC from Grand Central Terminal to Albany, NY and back. It was simply for a train ride and was quite a nice experience. In those days, I was just a poor sailor boy - rode in coach - but enjoyed the trip nonetheless. I share those memories with you, Lars [tup]

Can't - and won't - make comment about 20 Fingers - for whatever the reason, he's chosen to spend more time over there . . . whatever works.

Okay guyz - enjoy the open bar, compliments of our "fat cat" from the left coast! Ah, the Eagle must have 'done it' today! [swg]

Later! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[LoveDomes]

G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!

Back again - now that I've "solved" the day's dilemma - wives are just like that, huh [?] Just when I'm all setlled in, a cold one at the ready - bit of music in the background - getting set to . . . . HONEY! HONEY! Come quick, there are these little green men trying to . . . Get the picture [?] [swg]

So, we still have an open-bar, huh [?] Fine - another Kokanee and I'll continue on . . .

Good to see my " bookend" on board and the references have been made that "Three Horsemen" ride again! Still would like to see that come to reality - can skip the riding part, but it would be fun to be in the company of some like-minded guys who still believe the world is their oyster. [yeah]

Some advice for Ted - be ever careful with those "reverse mortgages," had a friend who darned near lost it all because of a "clause" that had him evicted from what was once his own house for of all things, not maintaining the property up to the standards set by the mortgage holder! No kidding.

He didn't escape fully - still has the mortgage, but he was able to get them to back off. Now it's a mental thing - when will they strike next sort of circumstance. Not what he needs in the "golden years."

When we were upstate, I really got the urge to ride trains again. Throughout so much of the landscape one can see the rights of way, the depots, etc. I can still envision the NYC Alco's with that great looking lightning bolt livery . . . the gleeming budd streamliners . . . [yeah] I'm ready to be taken back. Where ARE those little green men when one needs 'em [?] [swg]

Hey Tom Three in a row to the White Sox!! That game last night had to be the biggest heartbreaker of all - a one hitter and you lose it. I understand the pitcher for your team is a rookie. Not bad to darn near no-hit last year's World Champs, not bad at all. Well, things may be looking up now that your #1 hitter is back - but of course, he can't do it all - does he pitch as well [?] <grin>

My guys dropped one - but they still look strong enough to maintain the momentum. Quite a season of hard ball, wouldn't you say [?]

I checked that movie schedule - and must agree, good stuff this week, but I really "dig" the Coming Attractions! Blazing Saddles is a classic. [tup] Makes me want to go to the movies!

One more - then this time I'm outta here . . . .

Have a round on the Larsman! - Ring that bell you loveable Cyclops! [swg]


Until the next time!


Lars

[LoveDomes]

G'day Cap'n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!

A well-heeled "Fed" has sprung for the drinks - so I'll take a frosty cold Kokanee and a 12-pak to go! [(-D] Thanks to the West Coast sleuth - promoted from where to what [?] [tup]

Another Friday and a weekend looming on the horizon. Ya know, I never was one to relish weekends, meaning in what I did and where I did it, most days were pretty much the same. Weekends for people aboard ships somehow all meld into a sameness . . . if ya know what I mean. But - for those of you who work the 9-5 - or whatever it is these days - hope your respite from the labors is enjoyable! [tup] I'll have another to quaf down while I'm stumbling 'round here for words . . . .

So, Tom where's the "stuff" you were going to send us about the Rendezvous [?] Love pressing the boss! [swg]

On a serious note, appreciate the email "heads up" on the "situation" as it evolved over the past week. Looks like another one bit the dust, huh [?] Well, all I can say is what I provided yesterday. Meant it then and mean it today. Just hope the guys who need the reminder take a look at page 360 for my thoughts . . . . they parallel those of the Proprietor when it comes to the interaction 'round this place.

Isn't it great having our friend Wolfman Pete back on his stool [?] Just got back and your wife is taking you away - that's my guess! Gals are like that, Pete! Figured you'd need to hear that from an old salt such as I - you being a newly wed and all . . . [swg] Anyway, looking forward to some great stories and pix from your trip to the homeland! [tup]

Nice ENCORE! Tom - very timely and most appropriate! [tup] [tup] [tup] Also fit quite well in Shane's time slot I see! [swg]

All kinds of stuff to read since my last visit and here I am being summoned beckoned by the Lady of the Manor! <grin> Spent most of the day over at my middle son's home - seems that only Dad knows how to . . . . but hey - it's nice to be asked! [tup]

I just gotta ask - where is 20 Fingers these days [?] Every time I ask, he tells me he's busy - but then I see him over on Tom's "other thread" . . . . guess I'm just a pot stirrer! <grin>

Gotta run, Gents . . .


Until the next time!

Lars

[West Coast S]

Afternoon Tom, wow[:p] I own some serious acknowledgements. I have returned from a interesting week at the Puzzle Palace, workload has been brutal since my promotion last week and summons to Washington DC, unbelieveable, the corridors of power would seek my input as to future mission requirements here in Los Angeles, there is talk of a transfer to Dallas, but with the greater percentage of the department on extended leave, TDY's or forward deployed plus the two I dismissed last week, think i'll remain in LA for awhile..

Enough of my going on's, Tom appreciate your message, I do own you a candid reply . The place is slowly returing to normal as some of us among the legion of lost find our way back


Welcome back BK[:D]. Your absence has been noticed around the bar, set a round up on me

Rob, I see youv'e kept the home fires burning with your excellent participation and of such quality and quanity...

Mike, the undisputed URL master, I could spend hours just salavating over your contributations, matter of fact i've saved a few to disc for future lookup in my modeling endevors.

I apoligize in advance for being so ignorant as to the recent going ons at "Our Place" I will have to devote proper time for a proper review. To who ever I missed, good to be among you and will be aboard shortly as time permits .

To ease the pain, all drinks on me until 6:00 PST[^]

Enjoy[:D][:D][8D][8D]

Dave

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of the usual and a round please.

MANY MANY THANKS FOR THE WELCOME BACK. TOM TED BK and ROB.[tup][tup][tup].It is much appriciated and it is great to be back.

Thanks for the British Rail Encore TOM. In the photo of the Virgin class 87 electric loco, about 3 miles from my house in England, the track on the right hand side is being re-laid to make it 4 track again with a good deal of progress being made when I was there.

ROB the steam locos in the famous Barry scrapyard were lucky with over 200 being saved, although some may never run again, and most of the Standard 2-6-4 tank locos shown are running today in fact I had a ride behind one during my visit.[^].

Well we are off to Kansas City in a while and I will talk again soon. Its good to be back PETE.

[BudKarr]

Good Day Captain Tom and all assembled!

Another day in paradise, another opportunity to enjoy the bounties all around! [tup] A change is in order as we are both more inclined for lunch than brunch. So, we will feast on one of your delights from the Menu Board - the #19 should be fine. Plesae cut it in half as there is more than a sufficient amount for the two of us. I will start off with a JD on the rocks, some cofee and my lady says she would like a Vodka Collins with some tea with the sandwich. Thank you! [tup]


What is there to comment on this fine day other that to say [#welcome] back to our "old country" traveler, Pete!! Your return has made our group all the more rounded and we look forward to the resumption of your postings and keen wit. [tup]

I am afraid that something has escaped me during my absence and since my return. What am I missing [?] Tom please send me an e-mail, for I know someone has departed - perhaps two - but for the life of me, cannot sort it all out. Seems to be some missing material.

Nice touch with the ENCORE presentation for Pete - always a good read and certainly makes me realize the wealth of information available to one and all using the internet resources. Fantastic! [tup]

Thank you for the kind words, Gentlemen, regarding my thinking aloud over the worth of my contributions. Not that I was looking for an endorsement, but your encouragement means a lot! [tup] I will try to measure up - one of these days.

Another nice touch with that traction pix you provided yesterday. I like them very much and noted that many have disappeared on the Sunday pages - what IS it with Photo Bucket anyway [?] Thought at first they were very user friendly, however, if the pix do not remain, that is quite a bit of wasted effort. Wonder what the situation is [?]

Understand your note, Tom but you really know that preaching to the choir is really all it amounts to. Those who require these reminders are long gone. The ones who created the undercurrent that began many, many months ago. I could "name names" but what is the point of that [?] I think we are far better off with a homogenous grouping of people with similar interests and motivation than to pander to those who must have it their way, or no way at all. As is said, that is MY TWO CENTS!

I too feel the loss of anyone from the bar who has contributed, but must concur with what I read from "Nick's House Rules" - check the emotional baggage at the door. Makes good sense to me and quite frankly, that is what I call "life." Anywhere I have been where a gathering of people happens to be bears it out. If, that is, one wants to engage in a positive way.

Sir Rob I have read through so many of your postings since my return, that I am beginning to become conversant with the terminology! Now that is dangerous. [swg] You, Captain Tom and Sir Doug keep coming up with some wonderful material. Good show, Gentlemen!

Say it is not so! We have "officially" bid adieu to our friend from West Wales, Sir Nick [?] Have I missed yet another subtelty, or was it not so subtle [?] Again, clarrification please - what happened [?] If true, then a "chunk" of our character has been lost to us all.

Ah, I see the sandwiches are ready, so we shall take our leave to the rear deck of this fine establishment to enjoy our lunch in the outdoors, with perhaps a passing streamliner to gaze at!

BK in beautiful Alberta, Canada's high mountain country!

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I see you out there Rob! Appreciate the two mid-morning visits . . . got your Email and replied . . . Thanx! [tup]

Spoke with Pete a little bit earlier and he's sounding fine and ready to rejoin us once this weekend passes. Great having him back with us and I'm sure we all look forward to his resumption at his place at the bar! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Rob - Where are you coming up with all of this Classic Steam info [?] Seems like the well is rather deep - but always appreciated! [tup] I'll do a bit of browsing to see if I can continue with some traction Pix just to spice up the place a bit! [swg] I'm sure that won't bother you at all . . . <grin>

GENTLEMEN:

I wi***o remind one and all about our family of contributors here at the bar. Everyone, including me, "has opened mouth and inserted foot" from time to time. The better way to deal with those who for whatever the reason gets under one's skin is to communicate privately. There are times when that is rather hard to do - especially when the irritant is "out there" for one and all to see. They see that, but not your private reply.

Neverthless, if we lose guys because of personality flaps, that's truly a shame. If we lose guys because they are unable or unwilling to participate in the manner the majority of us prefer, so be it.

I'd rather not lose anyone - but it does come down to personal choice, doesn't it [?]

I'll be behind the bar for the remainder of the day . . . .

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Hi Tom just me again, the rest of the pictures in the to Brit rail posts have downloaded, I must say some nice shots, the modern and the old and the maudlin sad shots of the old guard awaiting their fate. Good stuff. Also just as a side,have you ever noticed how the google ads at the side of the page change to match the topic of info. While you were posting your two encore's the ad's change from the regular model rail NA rail travel type to all sorts of Fly the England and ride British rail types <spooky> who says big brother isn't watching eh [?] Insert twigh,ight zone music here. See everyone tonight.

Rob

[trolleyboy]

Tom what a fine redo of your fine efforts on the British rail,thatought to warm the cockles of Pete's heart. Would have put a mile on Nick's face too [sigh]. I'm glad I waited around for it. I can go to work happy now.[tup] Also just and FYI and point of clarrification, I wnet back and edited today's calssic steam on the drowned railyway and yeaterday's on the Thousanf isl railway. I had the numbers wrong. They are TIR #27 not #30 and the Drowned railway today is #28 not # 31 as I had them originally put. My bad sorry, this will clarify for anyone jeeping score at home. [;)] Also this clarrification post will hiopefully not draw the forum softrware back to page 360 for the edit's as opposed to pg 361 where we are now.

Rob

Oh Tom since you are here at the moment, I'll have a keith's for the road and here's a sack o change for the coal scuttle. [tup]

[siberianmo]

ENCORE! for PETE! - ENCORE! for PETE!
[#welcome] back!

first Posted on page 247



RAILWAYS of EUROPE #1 – British Rail

British Rail



Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.


British Railways (BR), later rebranded as British Rail, ran the British railway system from the nationalisation of the 'Big Four' British railway companies in 1948 until its privatisation in stages between 1994 and 1997.

This period saw massive changes in the nature of the railway network: steam traction was eliminated in favour of diesel and electric power, passengers replaced freight as the main source of business, and the network was severely rationalised.

History

Background


British Railways Eastern Region timetable for Summer 1963.

The rail transport system in Great Britain developed during the 19th century. After the grouping of 1923 by the Railways Act 1921 there were four large British railway companies, each dominating its own geographic area. These were the Great Western Railway (GWR), the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and the Southern Railway (SR).

The London Underground and the Glasgow Subway were independent concerns and there was a small number of independent light railways and industrial railways, which did not contribute significant mileage to the system. Neither were non-railway-owned tramways considered part of the system.

During the Second World War the railways were taken into state control. They were heavily damaged by enemy action and were run down aiding the war effort.

Nationalisation

The Transport Act 1947 made provision for the nationalisation of the network, as part of a policy of nationalising public services by Clement Attlee's Labour Government. British Railways came into existence on 1 January 1948 with the merger of the Big Four, under the control of the Railway Executive of the Briti***ransport Commission (BTC).

The Northern Counties Committee lines owned by the LMS in Northern Ireland were quickly sold to the Stormont Government, becoming part of the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) in 1949.

The emblem of British Railways, also called the "Ferret and Dartboard"

British Railways

The new system was split geographically into six regions along the lines of the Big Four:

• Eastern Region (ER) — southern LNER lines.
• North Eastern Region (NER) — northern LNER lines in England and all ex-LMS lines east of Skipton.
• London Midland Region (LMR) — LMS lines in England and Wales and most ex-LNER lines west of Skipton.
• Scottish Region (ScR) — LMS and LNER lines in Scotland.
• Southern Region (SR) — SR lines.
• Western Region (WR) — GWR lines.

These regions would form the basis of the BR business structure until the 1980s. The Eastern and North Eastern Regions were merged to form the Eastern Region in the 1960s, Anglia Region was split off from the Eastern Region in the 1980s. They retained a level of independence, though there was also some centralisation.


ex-LMS Jubilee Class 45641 Sandwich at Chinley in 1954 [Wikimedia Commons]

1955 Modernisation Plan

After the Second World War, Britain's railways fell behind others in the world. Countries like Japan, USA and France were experimenting with new diesels and electrics. However, Britain wasn't, and the run down network deteriorated even more because of painfully slow rebuilding. Finally, and lately, came the modernisation plan for Britain's railways. It cost the government much more than it should have, because of bad timing.

The 1955 Modernisation Plan, detailed in the Briti***ransport Commission's (BTC) Modernisation and Re-equipment of British Railways, argued for spending £1,240 million over a period of 15 years. Services were to be made more attractive to passengers and freight operators, thus recovering traffic which was being lost to the roads. There were three important areas:

• Electrification of principal express routes, the Eastern Region of British Railways, Kent, Birmingham and Central Scotland,
• Large-scale introduction of diesel and electric traction with new coaching stock to replace steam locomotives
• Resignaling and track renewal

A government White Paper was produced in 1956, stating that modernisation would help eliminate BR's financial deficit by 1962.

However the modernisation plan failed to take into account the effect that mass road transport would have upon the traditional role of the railways, and as a result much money was wasted by heavy investment in things like marshalling yards, at a time when small wagon-load traffic was in rapid decline. Much money was also wasted by the rapid introduction of new classes of diesel locomotives into fleet service without an adequate period of prototype testing, which resulted in several classes being scrapped within a very few years of their being built. The failure of the Modernisation Plan led to a distrust of British Rail's financial planning abilities by the Treasury which was to dog BR for the rest of its existence.

Tank engines at May 1966 at Barry Scrapyard (GNU Free Documentation)

There was mass withdrawal of steam types

The Beeching Axe and the end of steam

Main article: Beeching Axe

In 1963, BR chairman Dr Richard Beeching published the Re-Shaping of British Railways calling for major rationalisation of the system. Many rural routes were unprofitable in the face of increasing competition from road hauliers and the private car. The Beeching Axe fell on most branch lines and some main lines. Some of these lines have since become heritage railways.

The early 1960s also saw the "Great Locomotive Cull", with mass withdrawals of steam types, and their replacement with diesels, fewer of which were needed on the shrinking system. Steam traction's last stand came in the North-West of England in August 1968. The use of steam locomotives on independent industrial lines, particularly by the National Coal Board (NCB), continued into the 1970s. Many locomotives were preserved, having not been scrapped immediately on withdrawal, but most fell victim to the cutter's torch.

From 1958 to 1974 the West Coast Main Line was electrified in stages at the French voltage of 25 kV 50Hz AC overhead line electrification. Many commuter lines around London and Glasgow were also electrified, and the Southern Region extended its 750 V DC third rail system to the Kent coast. However electrification never reached system-wide level as on many other European railways.

British Rail


Class 47 47241 in "corporate blue" livery in 1980 (GNU Free Documentation)

Steam traction on British Railways ended in August 1968 after the system was rebranded British Rail (see British Rail brand names for a full history). This introduced the double-arrow logo, still used by National Rail to represent the industry as a whole (though some cynics claimed the logo meant the railway "didn't know if it was coming or going"); the standardised typeface used for all communications and signs; and the "rail blue" livery which was applied to nearly all locomotives and rolling stock.

In 1973 the TOPS system for classifying locomotives and multiple units was introduced, and is the basis of the classification system. Hauled rolling stock continued to carry numbers in a separate series. Also during this time, yellow warning panels, characteristic of British railways, were added to the front of diesel and electric locomotives and multiple units in order to increase the safety of track workers.

The major engineering works were split off into a separate company, British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL), in 1970.

Sectorisation


BR Class 411, no. 1586, at London Victoria (GNU Free Documentation)

Sectorisation produced a more colourful railway — this is the Network SouthEast livery. It is a Mk1 electric multiple unit.


BR class 87 electric loco & trains (Virgin Trains) (GNU Free Dcoumentation)

Old trains, new livery -- Virgin Trains took over two InterCity franchises.

In the 1980s the regions of BR were abolished and the system sectorised into five sectors. The passenger sectors were InterCity (express services), Network SouthEast (London commuter services) and Regional Railways (regional services). Trainload Freight took trainload freight, Railfreight Distribution took non-trainload freight, Freightliner took intermodal traffic and Rail Express Systems took parcels traffic. The maintenance and remaining engineering works were split off into a new company, BRML (British Rail Maintenance Limited). The new sectors were further subdivided into divisions. This ended the "BR blue" period as new liveries were adopted gradually. Infrastructure remained the responsibility of the Regions until the "Organisation for Quality" initiative in 1991, when this too was transferred to the sectors.

Privatisation

Main article: Privatisation of British Rail

On the advice of the Adam Smith Institute, under John Major's Conservative Government's Railways Act 1993 British Rail was split up and privatised. This was a continuation of the policy of Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government's privatisation of publicly-owned services. The unpopular Conservative Government was facing a Labour victory at the May 1997 General Election and so privatisation was rushed through and was finished in November 1997.

BR was privatised within the business structure that was in place. Passenger services in each sector were franchised out to private companies, mostly bus operators. The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) was created to organise ticketing and market the rail services using the National Rail brand. Freight operations were sold but mostly bought by one company, EWS. Railtrack controlled infrastructure. The Shadow Strategic Rail Authority was created to oversee and advise the government. The British Railways Board remained with some residual functions.

Privatisation has had mixed results. Passenger growth has been stimulated, but this has been at extra cost to the taxpayer and passengers, who have seen steady fare increases since 1997. Freight has also increased; however, there is debate as to whether these increases in passengers and freight have been due to privatisation, or simply to an improved economy which usually results in more travel. Some analysts have pointed out that a similar rise in passenger numbers occurred in the late 1980s when the economy was buoyant, only to fall again in the recession of the early 1990s; however, recent passenger-journey numbers have climbed back to the level last seen in the 1950s.

Railtrack's management proved to be incompetent and the Labour government refused to continue to subsidise the losses of shareholders. It went insolvent, was put in receivership and was replaced by a not-for-profit publicly owned Network Rail. Some saw this as the first step towards renationalisation. Given the costs this is unlikely at present although some studies have recommended this as a cheaper choice than the current subsidies to commercial companies. The Shadow Strategic Rail Authority's power became real when it dropped part of its name, becoming the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). The functions of the SRA were later transferred to the Department for Transport.

There has been some controversy over the decision to withhold subsidies from Railtrack, which forced it to become insolvent. Recent press reports have indicated that the then transport minister Stephen Byers deliberately forced the company to become insolvent, as this would remove any obligation on the government to provide compensation to Railtrack's shareholders, who would lose their investment.

Network

The BR network, with the trunk routes of the West Coast Main Line, East Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line and Midland Main Line, remains unchanged. The Beeching Axe fell on many branch lines and some other main lines.

Locomotives and rolling stock

Locomotives

Steam locomotives

Main article: Steam locomotives of British Railways

BR inherited more than 20,000 locomotives from the constituent "Big Four" companies, the vast majority of which were steam locomotives. BR also built 2537 steam locomotives in the period 1948-1960: 1538 were to pre-nationalisation designs, and 999 to its own standard designs. These locomotives were destined to lead short lives, some as little as 5 years against a design life of over 30 years, because of the decision to end the use of steam traction in 1968.

Diesel locomotives

Main article: Diesel locomotives of British Rail

When BR was created, diesel traction was in its infancy in the United Kingdom (though more progress had been made in other countries, whose experience could arguably have been used to a greater degree in informing developments in the UK). Only one mainline diesel locomotive was inherited in 1948 (though more were on order) and a handful of diesel shunters of various types.

Initially, BR persisted with the small scale experimentation with diesel traction while continuing to build hundreds of steam locomotives to old and new designs. Even some steam shunters were being built through to the mid-1950s, when standard diesel shunters were already in large scale production. However, it was not until the 1955 Modernisation Plan that more substantial developments in mainline diesel locomotive technology were planned.

The Plan envisaged small numbers of prototype locomotives of varying power types being ordered from a variety of manufacturers. These could be tested and compared against each other before large scale orders were placed. Unfortunately, even before many of the prototypes had been delivered, a combination of the political need to maintain employment in the British locomotive-building industry and over-optimistic assessments of the possibilities offered by new diesel locomotives meant that large scale orders were placed for a wide variety of untested and incompatible designs, many of which proved to be very poor.

By the end of 1968, all the remaining mainline steam locomotives and shunters had been withdrawn - but during the period 1967-71 so were a large number of virtually new diesel locomotives and shunters (some only three years old) as many designs had proved unsuccessful, non-standard, and unnecessary with changed requirements on the railways, e.g. widespread line closures and the decline of wagonload freight traffic. However, some of the diesel shunters withdrawn during this period did find further use on industrial railway systems.

After the large scale production of some 5000 diesel locomotives and shunters in the period 1956-1968, the British locomotive-building industry virtually collapsed. BR needed very few new diesel locomotives from then on; only 285 heavy duty freight locomotives and the 199 High Speed Train power cars were purchased from then until privatisation began in 1994. No diesel locomotives have been built in Britain for the mainline system since 1991; the most recent new types have been imported from Canada and Spain.

Electric locomotives

Main article: Electric locomotives of British Rail

Electric traction was more advanced than diesel traction at Nationalisation, with a number of isolated electrified networks across the country using a variety of power supplies, though 1500V dc overhead supply had been accepted as the national standard in the 1930s. However, most of these networks used electric multiple units to provide the passenger service, with steam locomotives operating freight trains. Thus, BR inherited only 13 ex-North Eastern and 3 ex-Southern Railway electric locomotives, plus two departmental electric shunters, also ex-Southern Railway.

In the early years of BR, a number of locomtives were built to operate on the newly-refurbished and electrified Woodhead Route using the 1500V dc overhead system. However, by the time that the next major electrification project, the West Coast Main Line (WCML), was underway, the decision had been taken to adopt 25kV ac overhead as the standard supply system.

BR decided to test a variety of new 25kV ac types for the WCML electrification; in all 100 locomotives of five classes were built by different manufacturers. Having learned the lessons from these types, a standard class of a further 100 examples was ordered. This latter type, which was introduced in 1966 is still in service today. The earlier prototypes, though they were mostly pretty successful, succumbed in the 1980s and early 1990s as non-standard following the arrival of new electric locomotives.

Although the purchase of new electric types was carried out in a more successful way than the comparable process for diesel locomotives (see above), the 200-or-so electric locomotive fleet used to operate the WCML from the mid-1960s until the recent introduction of Pendolino trains was still far smaller than that originally envisaged; more than 500 were thought necessary when the initial plans were developed! It was fortunate that changes in the railway's operation had already occurred before mass orders were placed for electric traction.

Coaches

Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail for additional information on:

• British Carriage and Wagon Numbering and Classification
• Coaches of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway
• Coaches of the Great Western Railway
• Coaches of the Southern Railway
• Coaches of the London and North Eastern Railway
• British Rail Mark 1
• British Rail Mark 2
• British Rail Mark 3
• British Rail Mark 4


Freight wagons and industrial tankers.

Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail for additional informatmion on:

• Coal trucks.
• Parcels vans and mail wagons.
• Industrial and oil tankers.
• Flat-cars and car-transporters.
• Gravel hoppers.

Multiple units


BR Class 142 Pacer at Manchester Victoria station. (Public Domain)

The Pacer was British Rail's attempt to create a low cost Diesel Multiple Unit

Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail for additional informatmion on:

• Multiple units.
• Diesel and electric multiple units.
• Pacer units.


Used with permission from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Formatting differences made necessary due to Forums requirements. Some heralds from other sources.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[trolleyboy]

Okay, since this mornings been a bit slow I will insert another Classic steam, I had originally planned not to use this one till monday,but I figured that it will work well on this friday afternoon as well.

CLASSIC STEAM # 28 ONTARIO's DROWNED RAILWAY

Some of the most histroic sections of Canada's most historic railway noe lie below sea level.In 1958 the St Lawrence Seaway's new system of dams and locks between Cardinal and Cornwall was completed.As the watres began to rise, they began to engulf the old locks of the first seaway. This manmade flood also poured into the foundations of the historic Loyalist towns that once harboured the fleeing refugees from the US revolution..This flood then swept away a large portion of Canada's first major railway project, the Grand Trunk.Even though the new seaway was a technical marvel, and a much needed transportation link, it destroyed a nearly 200 years worth of history.

One hundred and two years earlier an equally ambitious scheme was completed, the building of the Grand Trunk Railway. In 1856 trains began running between Montreal and Toronto. In order to more efficiently compete with lake shippers, the builers of the GTR located their stations well back from the shoreline ( often one or two miles from the river and lake ). The cost of bridges and fill which would have been needed for a closer to the shoreline routing was the main factor in this alignment.

Stations were built at intervals of approx six to eight miles from each other along this new line.( depending on the demands of farmers and mill owners along the way )also the needs of the steam locomotives of the day were taken into account as well.Most of these stations were attractive stone structures with shallow pitched roofs and rows of arched windows.Along this route such ststions were built at Prescott, Lancaster,Cornwall, Morrisburg,Lansdown, and Gananoque Junction. A similar but larger one was built at Brockville as Brockville was a major division point at the time.

While most trains were through trains, a local between Brockville and Montreal was inaugurated Oct 16, 1856. Because it was a favourite with the Mohawks of the St Regis reserve near Montreal it was nicknamed the Moccasin

Through the 1950's, as the plans for the new seaway system neared completion, it became evident that the colourfull little riverside communities were doomed, and the railway would need to be relocated. The new route took it even farther from the river, passing primarily through swamps and young forests. The stations that had for a century served the comunities of Iroquois, Morrisburg,Aultsville,Farren's Point,Moulinette and Mille Roches, and Waleswould be replaced by more modern buildings at the "new" communities of Morrisburg, Iroquois, Ingleside, and Long Sault.

While the old GT stations at Moulinette and farran's Point were simple wooden shelters, those at Aultsville,and Milles Roches were larger wooden stations. The wales station was a soliid brick building, while the one at Morrisburg was one of the classic stone ones. The GT station in Cornwall was an expanded version of the original stone stations. While several of these buildings sites were inundated others were not. the original location of the Morrisburg station remained well inland from the new river flood line, yet they removed the building anyway.Similarly, the old stone station at Cornwall, although in no danger of being "drowned" was also replaced with a newer building a few blocks further north.

The five new stations were uniform in style, a mondernistic flat roofed pattern with extensive use of glass and decorative brick. double entery doors with sapcious waiting rooms that had open ticket counters, parcel lockers, and telephone booths.The four "local" sattions at Long sault,Ingleside,Morrisburg,and Iroquois measured about 60' by 20', while the Cornwall station was 150' by 40'. It remains the only one of the five that VIA still stops at. The Morrisburg station still stands but is a private residence now,Iroquois is vacant and vandilized the other two burnt down and are gone.

The old shoreline is still eveident and bits an dpieces of teh old drowned ROW can still be seen if you know where to look and whatv you are looking at.Thes areas remain open to the public as part of the St Lawrence Park's system.


Rob

[trolleyboy]

A quick good morning Sir Tom, not a whole lot happening yet this am so I'll grab a #3 and an Irish coffee while I go about my B4 work rituals.Kinda looks like we are in for a slooow one here today,mind you i have said that B4 and then it arrives hot and heavy [:O] I liked this mornings humour spot,sounded like something out of SNL. Good picks on the up comming movies, espeacially Blazing Sadles and Fierce Creatures [tup]x5


Rob

[siberianmo]

[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


SOMETHING SPECIAL to be POSTED this MORNING!

ENCORE! ARRIVAL on Track #1 before NOON!

WATCH FOR IT!


Tom[4:-)] [oX)]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]

[Anonymous]

Welcome home Pete, we missed you a bunch and are most delighted you are here safe and sound; a "Hip Hip Hooray" and 3 coruses of "For he's a Jolly Fellow!"[^] Tom, guess what? satrting at 6:00 a.m., I am just now "current" from yesterday's content. That's a big [tup] for a healthy, hearty share of participation and a big [tdn] for my need to "hit the road" immediately.[V] In other words: I gotta went! No time for an "eye opener" either, however, a promisory note that I'll "be back in a flash with a flash" at the earliest possible moment. Lot's a great stuff for plunging into and I hope very, very soon. No Boris, no time for that either...see Y'all a.s.a.p.

[siberianmo]

We open at 6 AM.
(All time zones - Don’t ask how we do that!)[swg]


FRIDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of POSTS


It’s Friday! C’mon in – enjoy a cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee – a <light or <traditional breakfast from the Menu Board and one or two pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery!



Daily Wisdom


I’m hiding these right here.
ENCORE! Yogi-ism



Info for the Day:


Railroads from Yesteryear –
Arrives Tuesday! – watch for it!


* Weekly Calendar:


TODAY: Pizza Nite! & Steak Nite!
Saturday: Steak ‘n Trimmin’s Nite! – and –
ENCORE! Saturday



MVP Award Winners

April 2006 . . . LoveDome Lars
May – June . . To be announced


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]


Comedy Corner

Yarns from the Barn
(from barndad Doug’s Posts)


[:I] Tommy O’Connor goes to confession and says, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned."
"What have you done, Tommy O’Connor?"
"I had sex with a girl."
"Who was it, Tommy?"
"I cannot tell you, Father. Please forgive me for my sin."
"Was it Mary Margaret Sullivan?"
"No, Father. Please forgive me for my sin, but I really cannot tell you who it was."
"Was it Catherine Mary McKenzie?"
"No, Father. Please forgive me."
"Well, then, it has to be Sarah Martha O’Keefe."
"No, Father. Please forgive me."
A minute later, Tommy walks out to the pews, where his friend Joseph is waiting.
"What did ya get?" asks Joseph.
"Five Hail Marys, four Our Fathers, and three good leads." [:I]


[tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup]



The Mentor Village Emporium Theatre


NOW SHOWING:
Double Features and Three Stooges Short Subject!

. . . Sunday, June 18th thru June 24th: A League of Their Own (1992) starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis & Madonna – and – Memphis Belle (1990) starring: Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Tate Donovan. SHORT: Three Little Bears (1935).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

. . . Sunday, June 25th thru July 1st: Blazing Saddles (1974) starring: Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little & Slim Pickins – and – Fierce Creatures (1997) starring: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline & Michael Palin. [teal] Ants in the Pantry (1936).


SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) barndad Doug Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 05:05:52 (359) Barnyard Report ‘n Ad!

(2) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 06:09:04 (359) Bearnan’s Inclusive Gulf Coast Report!

(3) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 06:51:37 (359) Thursday’s Info & 12-Post Summary

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 07:42:15 (359) B&O Streamlined sleeping cars

(5) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 10:13:21 (360) Daylight Inclusive Post!

(6) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 10:48:41 (360) Classic Juice #30 – Cornwall Street Railway

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 11:29:49 (360) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(8) BudKarr BK Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 12:05:55 (360) Mountain Report!

(9) coalminer3 CM3 Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 13:03:03 (360) WVA Report ‘n adieu for awhile!

(10) LoveDomes Lars Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 15:04:14 (360) Island Report ‘n then some!

(11) barndad Doug Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 17:22:18 (360) Dots & Dashes ‘n Joke!

(12) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 17:46:24 (360) Acknowledgments ‘n Comments

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 17:52:02 (360) for Doug

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 17:59:09 (360) Traction Pix!

(15) pwolfe Pete Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 21:28:31 (360) He’s baaaaaaaaack!

(16) siberianmo Tom Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 21:53:48 (360) [#welcome] back Pete!

(17) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 22:43:11 (360) Count Robulla’s Late Nite Inclusive Post

(18) wanswheel Mike Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 22:46:13 (360) Comment

(19) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 22 Jun 2006, 23:24:25 (360) Class Steam #30 – Thousand island Railway



That’s it![tup][;)]


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[trolleyboy]

Okay one more for tonight, another obscure steam line to read away the night with.

CLASSIC STEAM # 27 THE THOUSAND ISL RAILWAY

The Thousand Islands Railway ( TIR ) was one of the shortest railwyas in Ontario to 1) have a charter and 2) actually serve industrial customers and have passenger operations.

From the beginning, Gananoque was an important location along the Canadian side of the St lawrence River. The river's water power attracted industries ( mills ) as early as 1787. By 1808 it was a stage stop on the Montreal to Kingston Road, and by 1819 had a steamer warf. However by the 1840's when the American side of the river started getting railways and started to make incursions into Great lakes shipping, the Gananoque businesmen started lobbying for a railway of their own. They feared that if they didn't get one their town would become a transortation backwater instead of a hub.

The first route proposed by the Montreal and Kingston Railway was to pass 16 km ( 10 miles ) inland from the river. This route effectivly would bypass the ports of Brockville and Gananoque, and was predictably rejected by the businessmen. As a response to this the government gave the Charter to the Grand Trunk, their proposed route ran closer to Kingston and Brockville and therfore appeased the business concerns, the topography of that part of the province still had the line running inland but was only 5 km ( 3 miles ) from Gananoque.

The GTR did however build a station in Gananoque, and it was one of their signature stone edifaces. But the road to it still was for the most part impacable so the town still lobbied for a direct raillink to this station and the Grand Trunk for their merchandice and themselves.

The first glimmer of hope came in 1870 with a proposeal to build a line called the Gannanoque and Rideau from the town warf to the town of Merrickville which was 40km further inland, this line also proposed a branch to Westport farther up the river and a possible ferry link to the American railways at Clayton NY. The line was to be run by the Grand trunk, but paid for with local funding which as usually happened fell short.So this proposal was terminated before it started.

By the early 1880's, the giant lumber firm of A.S. Rathburn, the owner and operator of the Bay of Quinte Railway aquired land along Gananoque's waterfront, and chartered the Thousand Island Railway. They built, the link to the Grand Trunk station themselves.The first train ran the route on Dec, 15 , 1883.

At the junction of the two railways, a small settlement named Cheesebourough grew. here were the rathburn buildings, station,section house and John Thompsons motel. A combined station office and engine house was built at the warf, while a modern passenger plateform was constructed at King St , Gananoque's main thoroughfare.

In 1899, responding to the boom in tourism,The Grand trunk proposed a larger more eleborate station about two and a half km beyond the junction. The new station would measure 50' by 20 ' and would be topped by an octagonal tower above the agents bay window. A large awning would shelter passengers during the peak summer tourist season. Meanwhile an attractive little umbrella station was built to cober passengers waiting at King street

One part of the TIR-GTR agreement was that the TIR had to meet every GT train that stopped at the Junction, a provision that atter helped destroy the line. Nine trains a day operated along the line, and carried more than 45,000 passengers a year.

In 1929 a new station was built at the warf. By this time though however, the highway age had started to occur and the road systems in that part of the province started to improve ( paved ). Bus service was inaugerated along what would later become highway 2, and passenger travel along the TIR plunged to fewer than 7,000 a year by 1931. Although the line lost money nearly every year after that, the TIR wa still required to meet every train arriving at the junction. By the 1950's it was avaraging just one passenger trip a day.

A decade later passenger service ended, and the freight service was reduced to one train a day. In 1970 the warf station was converted to a restaurant, and in 1978 the CN threatened to demoli***he station at the junction. Brushing aside pleas to save the station, a CN official declared " If the building has historic significance ,I'm not aware of it ". Indeed during the 1970's and 80's a dismal era of rampant station demolition, both of Canada'a major railways seemed totally oblivious to the herritage and significance of the country's railway stations.Happily when VIA assumed Canada's rail passenger srevice, it renovated the station and trains still stop there. ( it's on the TO-Montreal corridor )

They are however, no longer met by the trains of the TIR. In 1995 the last industry on the line ended it's rail requirements, and the line was abandonned.

enjoy Rob

[trolleyboy]

Good evening Leon, as I'm now off the clock I'll have a nice tall draft of Rickard's Red please.Oh and another 10 spot to feed the cashinator for another round for the house.Nice to saee a fairly full day by modern standards around here today [tup] And the fullest compliment of crew that we have had in a while as all our wanderer's are now back home.[#welcome] back in Pete my man, we've missed you. Oh and thank-you for your courtesy post from england back when Tom was away , it was very thoughtfull of you to think of us, back here at the bar.[^]

CM3 Hi niice to see you in again, I hope that your trip goes well. As lars said it will be odd without our daily WVG report.I'm wondering , did the person who gave that lamo excuse for why the gas prices were diferent county to county due to hills have a smile on his face and his hands behind his back, that or a strange smelling cloud of "cigarette smoke " around him.I've driven through West V many a time and I don't remember too many flat spots at all. I'm with you I love those midwest Interurbans as well. Morning Sun books has published two good volumes on the Illinois terminal and one has just recently come out on all the Interurbans that ran through Chicago as well.


lars Good to see you back, and even better to hear that things have gone extrodinarliy well for you upstate.The forum must now quake as the Three Horsemen are riding again.[;)][B)][:0]

Doug That was a wonderfull article on the old telegraph system. Nothing said railroad to me more than the sound of the telegraph tapping away. I know that Tom got a charge out of it as well. When we were at the museum during the rendezvous he found the telegraph key on the station master's desk of Rockwood station, his fingers were absolutly flying. [tup]

Tom That was a fine teaser on the IT again. , hint hint > right [?]The girlz are in doing their usual Bavarian fish fry tonight ( yes including severel kinds *** as well )[:0][8][xx(] I'm going to have some as they haven't poisoned anyone this month yet[:D][:-^]

BK Hey like Tom said nobody expects content on each and every post. You've got a good thing going here and the participation is what matters,content schmontent as long as you buy a drink once in a while.[;)][:D] Any tidbits from you are a wonderfull extra[^]

Pete Like I said earlier glad to see you back.We now have someone in the bar that can truly teach H&H how to prepare fish and chips [tup] it's all good from here.

Rob

[siberianmo]

Hey Pete!!

[#welcome] back!

He's baaaaaaaaaack, but gone again! [swg] Expect some great "stuff" as you check through the Posts . . . take your time, we'll be here when you are ready! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) how things went in Merry Olde!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of Bathams and a round please.

Just to let you all know I am back over here. I will be in the corner of the bar catching up on the posts while I have been away although we will be away this weekend.

Hope every one is keeping OK and I will let you know about the England trip when I have caught up a bit. PETE.

[siberianmo]

G'day!

Something special for our traction fans . . . .


IT #234 - party car trailer (courtesy: donsdept.donrossgroup.net -
foto credit: unknown)


Enjoy! [tup]

REMINDER:
Leon the Night Man takes the bar at 9 PM (Central)!

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

A return trip and specailly done for Doug - good to see ya again! [tup]

Your feature on Dots 'n Dashes rings true with me, not so much in the RR sense, but I was a high speed CW (continuous wave) operator for 14 years of my career. High speed with dots 'n dashes required MINIMUM proficiency at 22 wpm - I made it into the 35 wpm receiving zone, which some say is borderline insanity! [swg] Now you ALL know! <grin>

I also was a "bug" owner and operator and somewhere around this place are the "tools of the trade" long faded into history. Kinda like the typewriter - who needs it [?]

Thanx for the nostalgia trip! [tup]

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

A bit more activity 'round the joint today - but a far, far cry from the halcyon days of the past ! Remember when . . . guys actually remembered that we served meals on Thursdays [?] . . . When we had a Chief Chef [?] . . . When we had a clientele that could be depended upon [?} . . . Ah, but those days are gone and this is now! So, CHANGES will indeed occur - as invevitable as the changing of the tides.

Great to see CM3 -Shane swing by, but sadenned to learn of his lengthy absence. It's kind of a mixed bag, wish him best of times during a well earned vacation - but selfishly will miss his presence duirng the Monday thru Friday morning slot. No point in asking for a "pinch hitter" - our ranks are rather thinned.

Appreciate the visits by the "bookends," both here and on "my other Thread." [tup] [tup] Not to worry BK no one expects profound input each 'n every Post - that's totally inappropriate and perhaps absurd as well. Just your presence is what counts! [tup]

Lars Glad to have you back with us! [tup] [tup] Sounds very positive regarding the upstate situation - which can't be all that bad. [tup]

I recall flying out of Newark a time or three and apparently it hasn't changed insofar as avoiding the nightmare associated with Laguardia and Kennedy. [tdn]

My guess is we KNOW where you stand on issues, eh [?] I don't mean that in a derisive way, Mate - just appreciate your support. Now, it IS time to just let IT go . . . can't change the behavior of those who don't want to fully participate. Been that way from day one - just the way of the world. The "Welcome Mat" is out for one and all - with the provisio of willingness to engage in the way we do things 'round here.

Thanx for the reminder by way of "Nick's House Rules" of what this place really should be all about! [tup] [tup] [tup]

By the by, it hurts me to refer to our friend from West Wales as a "former' this or that . . . but that's the way it is. Good luck to you, Nick in whatever it is you are doing - has been a pleasure knowing you! [tup] [tup] [tup]

Great story, Lars about that "DCC" conversation you had with your freind! <grin> Been there, done that with other subjects . . .

Thanx to all who bouht rounds and provided "coin" for Herr Wurlitzer!

Okay Gents, time to check on other matters.

Tom[4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and gents! I'll have a bottlemless draught, and buy a round for the house. That was quite a post on the B&O ... Sir Types-a-Lot (Al). I see we also have had a pretty good showing of the regulars so far today as well, which always makes my heart go pitty-pat. Here's a little contribution from yours truly. Humbly and quickly submitted before my wife gets back from the stable!

Dots and Dashes by Ralph D. Pierce – Vintage Rails No. 9

Jim Riedelbach’s hand is on the telegraph key as he copies a train order for the photographers at Portage, Wisconsin, in 1983. The telegraph sounder is in the view at the right. The wire from Milwaukee to LaCrosse continued in use, as an emergency backup, until about 1985. Riedelbach worked for the Milwaukee Road for 43 years.


I know it’s hard to believe, but there was a time when cellular phones were nonexistent: and to make things worse, two-way hand-held radios were not yet dreamed of. Communication gains have made drastic leaps and bounds in the last two decades; but if you had been around in the late 19th century, you would have been able to make this same claim. When telegraph wires were strung from coast to coast and from north to south, the almost-instantaneous transfer of news and information amazed the populous of this country. No longer did it take six weeks by wagon of six days by pony express to pass information to California. Events taking place in the East or election results from the West now were quickly known on the opposite shore.

Samuel Morse’s 1843 invention not only linked the nation, but created an economic boom as well. Railroads became the greatest user of the telegraph and gained remarkable efficiency, along with tremendous growth. Here was a fast, efficient, less flawed way of communicating within the company. Train arrivals and departures, breakdowns, work orders, scheduling, and a million other things could be dealt with quickly and accurately. Shippers and passengers could now be assured of accurate arrival and departure times for freight and passenger trains. Standardization of U.S. time zones in 1883 was closely connected to the telegraph, too. Time zones contributed to the reduction of “cornfield meets” and missed schedules and basically helped out the railroads’ house in order.

Soon was heard everywhere the rat-a-tat and tinka-tink of the telegraph key and its sounder. This rhythmic music sounded throughout towns and hamlets across the nation. The telegraph operator and his equipment were integral parts not only of the railroad, but of America. The romance and necessity of the telegraph continued long into the 20th century. Not until the second half of this century did the telephone and “wireless” communication knock the telegraph off the railroader’s desk.

I remember back in the early seventies the grumbling of a C&NW agent fried of mine about the new device taking up half the top of his desk. There sat the forerunner of today’s Fax machine. Railroads wanted to rid themselves of the expensive maintenance costs of the telegraph network – a system that required massive amounts of poles, wires, and skilled operators. The railroads were not totally satisfied with telephones, because written, not verbal communication was required to eliminate mistakes. Here was something that could run information over a standard phone line and result in a paper document. New innovations in reliable communication reduced expenses, and the days of the telegraph were numbered.

While shopping the antique stores and visiting those inviting sales, sooner or later you probably will come across telegraph equipment and supplies. Even if you are not interested in an in-depth study of all the types and styles of telegraph equipment, a piece or two to decorate your study or office might be nice.

The most common finds will be the sending key, the sounder, and the “bug” (a type of sender designed for high speed and to be easier on the wrist). These pieces of equipment are great for the novice, since repairs and renovation are relatively easy and inexpensive. A few evenings’ work with minimal tools and some common sense is all that is needed. Reconditioning these telegraph items, made mostly of brass and wood, is a fairly easy task: brass cleaner, a little fine steel wool, maybe a few other touch ups, and some coats of a good, clear finish material will result in magnificent Electromagnetic Telegraph display pieces.

The Sears Roebuck Company catalog offered practice sets for sale which were powered by a dry cell battery and sold in the early 20th century for about five dollars. These sets turn up fairly often, and because the set consists of all the aspects of the telegraph, displaying a working system can be fun and intriguing.

Communication is so important to many of our businesses that a piece of refurbished telegraph equipment is not only decorative and historical, but also an impressive job-related antiquity. The only thing finer than a sounder displayed on an original desk stand would be the crowning touch of the empty tobacco tin added to the display. For those of you too young to remember, the telegrapher used an empty tobacco tin, propped against the sounder, to amplify the sound as it vibrated the tin box – no electric amplifiers in those days, just the innovativeness of the telegrapher.

Not only has the passenger train been reduced to a few lines and destinations, but the romance and warmth of the train depot and its activities have long been lost. Gone are those rat-a-tats and tinka-tinks of the telegraph: the music of the railroad depot is no more. It’s harder to dream about the good old days without those soothing sounds.

[:I] A guy goes to the hardware store to buy some insecticide. He hold up a box and asks the store manager, " Is this stuff good for beetles?" The manager replies, " No, it'll kill 'em" [:I]

[LoveDomes]

Posted: 22 Jun 2006, page 360

Greetings Cap’n Tom and fellow travelers at the bar!

Hi Ho – my “bookend” has returned and all seems to be right with the world again! [tup] Great to see ya, mate, and hope this inport period will be of long duration, sure appreciate the reassembling of the Three Horsemen! [yeah]

Sounds to me as if your happy hiatus was a marvelous thing indeed. All those island paradises and then some! I can’t imagine something like that – but then again, I can dream that I do! [swg]

Set ‘em up, barkeep – here’s a couple of ten spots – let’s toast the good health and well being of our newly wed friends up there in those beautiful Alberta mountains! <cheers>


Looks like your Cardinals are taking their “lumps” up their in the “Windy City,” huh [?] Whatever it is those “SOX” are having for breakfast – they should market it! Quite an offensive display these past two games. My Mets are doing quite well, but they dropped a cliff hanger to the Reds last night – our closer needs a bit of recharging, some would say. Anyway, the “home team” enjoys quite a lead in their division and as we approach the All-Star break, the men soon get separated from the boys, as has been said. [tup]


Enjoyed the material of the week and I’d say Tuesday had to be one of the finest we’ve seen ‘round the bar in many a week. Great input for an interesting “theme” – Nickel Plate! Always learn new and interesting things at this cyber institute of railroading, overseen by our “steamed Proprietor, Capn’ Tom!” [tup]


What is this [?] A long term absence looming on the horizon for CM3 coalminer3 “I’m not Shane!” Who authorized this [?] Does anyone recall seeing a “chit” slip through [?] Verrrrrrrrrrrry interesting! <grin>

You’ll most certainly be missed and an example of that was not having you aboard just these past two mornings! Ain’t the same without our WVA rep at the bar. Have a wonderful time away and hope all goes better than planned! [tup] [tup] [tup]


[2c] I’d be remiss if I didn’t make mention of a bit of consternation evident at the bar a page or so removed.

I harbor no ill will toward anyone who participates around here – the more the merrier and the merrier the better.

However, any time, and I mean any time, there is an intentional slight or challenge to our Proprietor and the way he operates this bar, I take it personally. So that’s just the way it is. I’m here because of the way Tom has constructed and runs this place, not for any other reason.

Found these “House Rules” from our former [C=:-)] Chief Chef, Nick and perhaps it’s time to review ‘em, with special emphasis on number 1:

(1) All emotional baggage to be checked at the door.
(2) No ladies of negotiable affection before midnight.
(3) No whizzing in the spittoons at any time.
(4) The Ladies are always right, regardless of circumstance.
(5) Food available until Chef finds the bottle.
(6) Lightly oil & polish barmaids between shifts.

RIP is fine, but perhaps moreso for the rest of us than the people who cause these situations from time to time.


Now, the upstate report. Got back late yesterday afternoon – flew up and back and back, with a rental car used for local transport. The thought of a 12 hour roundtrip drive simply didn’t thrill me at all! Was able to connect with direct flights from Newark . . . much more convenient than the other NYC airports. <ugh>

Bottom line: shouldn’t have to return. Got matters straightened out with the County people – have litigation underway against the property management company – have a buyer for the property – so it appears this chapter of the upstate saga may indeed be closed – soon.

At the stages of life my Mrs. and I are in, it is doubtful that we’ll find another “retreat” nor are we interested in remaining in an area where so much recent grief has been experienced. We had lots of happy summer and fall vacations up there, but it is Sayonara to that chapter of our lives.


Good conversation all around on the DCC business. I have a cursory understanding of what it is, why it is and how it is applied, however, since I have no active layouts nor do I associate with anyone who does, I’ve not seen it in operation. As a matter of fact, I was talking to a friend not that long ago about this ‘n that and the subject of the internet came up. He said that he used it to find out some info regarding a train set he is interested in purchasing for one of his grandchildren, who is apparently “big time” into the hobby and a teenager at that. Anyway, he asked me what I thought about DCC, and I thought he was talking about DC, as in current, and it went down hill from there! <swg>


Wish I could help with the recruiting drive, Cap’n Tom – I will keep my ear to the ground and should someone, somewhere indicate interest in the kinds of things we do here – I’ll be sure to snag ‘em for us! [tup]


Until the next time!


Lars

[coalminer3]

Good Afternoon Barkeep and All Present; Iced coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox.

Lovely heat and humidity today – I envy the K9 Korps who is in air-conditioned comfort at the kennel.

I didn’t run away honest. We had work and “off-field” issues to deal with yesterday. Gotta love it!

Upper 80s here today, gas is at $2.85 ($2.65 two counties east of here; the story about the price differential is that they have several “big hills” that have to be traversed by tank trucks to get to our little corner of “Almost Heaven.” The last time I looked most of this part of WV was a BIG !@#$ hill – and more than one of them. No Boris, you don’t have to drag me out – that’s all I have to say.

Tom – I feel your pain, but the White Sox are big, mean, and they have a pretty good group of starters. I caught the end of that game last night after watching the Red Sox. I bought the Extra Innings package on our cable system so have lots of games every night.

I was really pleased to see all of the NKP-related material that was posted.

Rob – Thanks for your contributions. The Plate had a group of Hudsons that ran on their passenger trains; they never got the publicity and recognition that the 700s did, but they were fine locomotives. I also appreciated your posts on Canadian steam, and the St. Rys. of Hamilton and Cornwall.

Al – Thanks for all the NKP and B&O car information. IIRC, I read somewhere that the “City of Lima” is still with us and is being restored.

Barndad – The NKP safety rules were most interesting to me anyway. I enjoyed looking at the material on PPE, work procedures, and materials handling. Many of those rules have not changed to this day. BTW, I always look carefully when crossing through clouds of steam (of course, some say that’s my usual vapor-clouded state).

Somewhere in my stuff, I have some pictures of the NKP shops at Bellevue (IIRC) where a machinist is working with a wheel lathe. Anyway, there are long strips of metal everywhere. I showed them to my father in law and he went into a two hour dissertation about how it was back in the day when he worked with machines like that at Lackawanna. I also have shots of NKP engines being rehweeled after being shopped. People all over the place, virtually no eye protection; cloth caps, etc. But that was the way it was back then.

B4 I forget, the Plate did class repairs to steam engines almost right up till the end. I had the fortune to see NKP 759 run and spent a lot of time up close to NKP 765 when it was over here on the C&O. Lovely machines. I also had a chance to see PM1228 when it was here as well; a little different look, but still a Joint Mechanical Committee engine.

Theodorebear – Keep on keepin’ on.

Tom – Again thanks for the NKP and the B&O material. BTW, I especially enjoyed that picture of the IT car; something about the interurbans in Indiana.

BK - Gald you have returned. We watched hockey here and somehow the idea of a team in Carolina.................

As a heads up I will be offline until abt. July 11. I know I mentioned this earlier, but thought I’d bring it forward again. Yes, we are going to NKP/NYC/B&A/NYNH&H land for awhile; I will take my camera and see what I can see. The strange thing is that most of what I spot along I-90 on the old NYC is Union Pacific power. I also plan to try and write up some more stuff from the old notebooks for future posts.

Have an enjoyable Independence Day. What’s this rumor I hear about Boris, beer kegs, and black powder?

Work safe